USADA announced today that Robert Anderson, of Park Forest, Ill., an athlete in the sport of Paralympic Judo, has used a prohibited medication and accepted a three-month sanction for his rule violation.

Anderson, 22, declared the use of an inhaler called Breo Ellipta, which contains the prohibited substance vilanterol, during an in-competition test on April 10, 2016, at the USA Judo Paralympic Team Trials. The results of that in-competition test were negative. Vilanterol is a long acting beta-2 agonist, prohibited at all times regardless of route of administration under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing (the “Protocol”), the United States Olympic Committee (“USOC”) National Anti­Doping Policies (“USOC NAQP”), and the International Blind Sport Federation (“IBSA”) Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (“Code”) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (“WADA”) Prohibited List.

After a thorough review of the case, including Anderson’s medical records, USADA has accepted his explanation that the vilanterol was not being used in an effort to enhance his performance and that he was taking the prescribed medication in a therapeutic dose under the care of a physician.

Anderson’s three-month period of ineligibility began on July 28, 2016, the date on which he accepted his provisional suspension. In addition, Anderson has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to April 10, 2016, the date he declared use of the inhaler, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.

In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs. In addition, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, Drug Reference Online (www.GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as the Prohibited List, easy-reference wallet cards, periodic newsletters, and protocol and policy reference documentation.

USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.